The Aurora Foundation is pleased to congratulate Wade Hunter, a Navy Nuclear Electronics Technician veteran and student at Old Dominion University. He is studying for a double Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Wade is the first intern under the newly established Aurora Chair internship with NASA Langley, where he was mentored by Steven D. Harrah. Wade supported a large digitization project in the Research Division, Electromagnetics and Sensors, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.

As is customary with all Aurora interns, Wade provided a final presentation that summarized his experience. In addition to explaining the project and the decision factors involved in selecting the methods used for digitization, Wade also described his take aways from working with Aurora's mentor, Reggie Williams (former Army Command Sergeant Major). Together, they worked through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, taking one habit per week during the course of the internship. Wade commented that the Habits were meaningful in both his professional and personal life. Beginning with the End in Mind and Putting First Things First helped him establish clear paths to meet his project objectives; and Thinking Win Win and Seeking First to Understand Before Being Understood have already made a positive to impact at home with his fiance!

Presenting him with Aurora's Certification of Completion was the Foundation's Chairman, Tom DeWitt. Tom also recognized Debbie Murray, LARSS Program Coordinator, and Mary Sandy, Director, Virginia Space Grant Program (VSGP). Putting another Covey Habit to work -- Synergize -- Aurora, NASA, LARSS, and the VSGP have combined resources and created new avenues for student veterans to obtain the practical and applied training needed to not only graduate from college, but also to secure full-time employment.

On behalf of everyone, congratulations Wade! We are pleased to have joined you on this journey, "From Boots to Books to Business." We hope you enjoy the photos from the presentation!